- Where is Oakhurst located?
- Oakhurst, also known as Fresno Flats, is a town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range just south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park.
- What natural features define Oakhurst?
- Located on the banks of the Fresno River, Oakhurst is surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and scenic outdoor areas.
- What attractions can visitors explore in Oakhurst?
- Oakhurst is home to several interesting attractions and activities for the whole family, including Yosemite National Park, the Children's Museum of the Sierra, and the Golden Chain Theatre.
Best Time to Visit Oakhurst, California
- May to September – Warm weather, perfect for visiting Yosemite National Park and hiking.
- April & October – Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, ideal for exploring local trails and nature.
- June to August – Peak summer season with bustling activity and long daylight hours.
- November to March – Cooler months, great for a quieter, cozy mountain getaway.
- Late May – Best time for waterfalls and lush scenery after spring snowmelt.
Getting to Oakhurst, California
- By Air
- Fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), about 50 miles away.
- Other options include San Jose International Airport (SJC) or Oakland International Airport (OAK), both about 3 hours away.
- By Car
- Drive from Fresno in about 1 hour via CA-41 North.
- Accessible from San Francisco in about 3.5–4 hours.
- By Bus
- YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) provides seasonal bus service from Fresno to Yosemite with a stop in Oakhurst.
Hotels in Oakhurst, California
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn – Comfortable stay with scenic views and proximity to Yosemite.
- Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites – Modern amenities with spacious rooms and a sauna.
- Queen’s Inn by the River – Quaint inn offering a winery, outdoor seating, and charming ambiance.
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1. Scenic Route Highway 49
Drive winding roads and admire exciting Gold Rush sights on a weekend trip.
The Scenic Route Highway 49, also known as the Gold Rush Trail and Gold Chain Highway, is a 300-mile long byway that runs from north to south, beginning in Vinton and ending in Oakhurst. The highway has a rich history dating back to the Gold Rush era and is peppered with historic mining towns that still have their 1850s charm.
Surrounded by the panoramic vistas and silvery gurgling streams of the western Sierra Nevada foothills, the highway passes by several key attractions, including the Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley, once home to the richest hard-rock mine in California; the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (Video) in Coloma; the Argonaut and Kennedy Mines in Jackson; the Angels Camp Museum in Angels Camp; Chili Gulch in Calaveras County; and Chili Gulch in Calaveras County, among others.
2. Golden Chain Theatre
Catch live performances and enjoy affordable, family-friendly entertainment with local flair.
Located at the end of the Golden Chain Highway State Route 49 in the beautiful High Sierra foothills, the Golden Chain Theatre is a classic community theater that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. Dedicated to producing and presenting plays and musicals that keep in line with the traditional Summer Melodrama and Traveling Shows, the Golden Chain Theatre presents a wide variety of quality live entertainment, from historical plays to murder mysteries. The theater houses a saloon with a full-service bar and serves a selection of light fare and snacks which are available before performances and during admission.
42130 CA-41, Oakhurst, CA 93644, Phone: 559-683-7112
3. Southgate Brewing Company
Sip craft brews and savor hearty bites after a day of exploring.
The Southgate Brewing Company is a cozy gastropub on Enterprise Drive that serves delicious cuisine and a range of locally produced craft beers in a stylish industrial-chic atmosphere. The brewery produces thoughtfully handcrafted ales and brews in small batches, using the highest quality ingredients to reflect the richness and bounty of the surrounding area. The beer is accompanied by a creative menu of great food with healthy and comfort options such as burgers, fries and prime steaks. The pub’s original dining room features a comfortable wood bar and several tables that can accommodate different sizes of parties and large windows boast beautiful views of Deadwood Mountain. The Southgate Brewing Company is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week and caters for private functions and events.
40233 Enterprise Dr, Oakhurst, CA 93644, Phone: 559-692-2739
4. Discover Yosemite
Take a guided tour and see iconic sights on an easy national park adventure.
Discover Yosemite offers day tours of one of the world’s top national parks. Visited by more than 3.5 million people every year, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its spectacular landscapes and terrain, its giant, ancient sequoia trees, the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, and the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall known as Tunnel View. Discover Yosemite tours visit these major attractions, including Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Royal Arches, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Three Brothers, Glacier Point, Leaning Tower, Cathedral Spires, and more. They also provide comfortable air-conditioned transport, delicious meals and snacks, and professional guides who share their knowledge and passion about this national treasure.
Oakhurst, CA 93644, Phone: 559-642-4400
5. Idle Hour Winery
Relax by the river and taste boutique wines during a romantic outing.
Idle Hour Winery is Oakhurst’s first winery and produces a range of white and red wines from local grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Viognier, Zinfandel, and Touriga Nacional. The wines are produced in small batch lots with sustainably grown grapes, using gravity flow and other traditional methods and can be tasted in the modern tasting room at the winery. Located next to the winery is the Queen’s Inn Wine Bar & Beer Garden, which offers comfortable accommodations, homemade cuisine and a charming wine and beer garden that is open seven days a week where visitors can enjoy more than ninety premium wines from the Idle Hour Winery and a selection of micro-brewed and imported beers from the local South Gate Brewing Company in a relaxed and casual ambiance.
41139 CA-41, Oakhurst, CA 93644, Phone: 559-760-9090
6. Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park
Walk through preserved buildings and learn local history on a quiet, educational visit.
Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park in Oakhurst, California is designed to recapture life during the nineteenth century in the Central California mountains and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The people who came to this area did so to build their lives, making a living as merchants and farmers and using the mountains’ natural resources. The museum complex itself is constructed around two restored historic homes dating back to the 1870’s. The Fresno Flats Village and Park is open for self-guided tours from dawn until dusk, and guided building tours and the museum are available as well by appointment.
49777 High School Rd, Oakhurst, CA 93644, 559-683-6570, (website link)
7. Little Church on the Hill
Admire simple beauty and enjoy a peaceful stop on a spring drive.
The Little Church on the Hill is a historic church in the Oakhill Cemetery along Highway 41 that has served as the spiritual and social center of the Oakhurst community for decades. First established as a mission in the mining township known as Fresno Flats in 1886, the church was then built and consecrated as Christ Church in 1894 on Chapel Hill to meet the needs of all denominations in the community, which it did for the next 60 years. Services were discontinued in the early 1950s, and the church fell into disrepair, however, was lovingly restored to its former glory by the community between 1991 and 1995 and is once again open to the public.
Oakhill Cemetery along Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644, Phone: 559-683-6832
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds. | Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites – Comfortable stay with easy access to Yosemite National Park. | Explore Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – See ancient, towering trees at Yosemite’s southern entrance. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. | Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite – Luxury mountain retreat perfect for a summer getaway. | Visit Bass Lake – Enjoy boating, fishing, and scenic lakeside relaxation. |
| Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, stunning foliage, and fewer tourists. | Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn – Cozy accommodations with beautiful fall scenery. | Drive along Highway 41 to Yosemite Valley – Experience breathtaking fall colors. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cool, snowy conditions ideal for peaceful nature retreats. | Château du Sureau – Elegant five-star retreat offering a cozy winter escape. | Experience snowshoeing in Yosemite – Discover winter beauty along Glacier Point Road. |
Plan Your Trip
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